The NIH is compiling a vast database of Americans' medical records from various federal and commercial sources for a new autism study led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This controversial initiative, aimed at identifying autism's cause by September, involves granting access to comprehensive patient data to 10-20 research teams. Experts question the feasibility of achieving such rapid results, while the data collection raises privacy concerns and potential for broader health monitoring.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.